'Overlooked' businessman claims contracts win

A Derby businessman has won a campaign that will see more transparency in the way the local shire awards contract work.

Builder Allan Archer says for years contracts have been awarded ad hoc to new or inexperienced businesses, sometimes to people 200 kilometres away, and usually without justification.

Mr Archer has been calling for the Derby-West Kimberley Shire Council to set up a register of shire contractors and suppliers.

He says after recent talks with the shire, he is optimistic his concerns will be addressed.

"It's a bit disappointing when you're not even approached to do work that you're geared up and have been doing for 30 odd years and a lot of it for the council but because ... the new council employees that come to town aren't aware of who you are or what you do, you are overlooked," he said.

"It's not only me, it's a lot of the contractors in town have the same complaint."

He says after years of fighting the system, he is buoyed by the promise of a solution.

"They're telling me that they are now going to address the issue and there will be a meeting called for all interested parties and contractors to attend to best formulate some sort of policy and some sort of register where everybody has the chance to be consulted and asked to price various jobs," he said.

The Derby West Kimberley Shire says it acknowledges the need for better transparency.

In a written statement, shire CEO Gary Clark says the issue is largely about good communication and that seeking quotes from everyone every time costs resources.

Mr Clark says advice will be sought from the WA Local Government Association on how to provide more opportunities for local businesses and feedback.